The Heritage School’s record-setting 2012 football season may have ended a victory shy of the final goal last Friday. But neither the Hawks nor Trinity Christian lineups came away empty handed following trips to the GISA Class AAA state playoffs.

En route to his third consecutive All-State selection, Heritage School senior Candler Rich led a group of 13 local players named to this year’s All-Region 2-AAA team. Rich joined seven Hawks teammates among All-Region honors after Heritage School captured its first varsity division crown with a 9-1 record during the regular season.

“They also helped get their coach the Region Coach of the Year [Award],” joked Hawks head coach Kevin Prisant, who deservedly earned his own honor at Monday’s coaches meeting.

Rich certainly helped lead the way while finishing with over 1,900-yards rushing for the season and 33 total touchdowns. A four-year contributor, the senior entered his final varsity year having already eclipsed the program’s mark for career rushing yards.

In addition, he was among four Heritage School players named to the GISA All-State Team joining seniors Tyler Nix and Tyler Bean as well as junior Tyler Henson.

Gibson was a two-way standout at fullback and defensive end/linebacker on the other side of the ball. He also emerged as an excellent punter, averaging over 36 yards per kick.

Joining the duo on the All-Region 2-AAA team for Trinity were senior lineman/linebacker Edwin Rivera, senior lineman Mark Collier and junior safety Dee Snelling who was the team’s top receiver in addition to kick return duties.

Both quarterback Connor Adams and linebacker Landon Comeans were honorable mentions for Trinity.

Gibson and Rivera will represent Trinity in Saturday’s annual GISA All-Star Game along with Rich and Bean from The Heritage School.

In addition to its four All-State honorees, The Heritage School’s All-Region selections included senior lineman and kicker/punter Ben Dudley, senior running back/linebacker David Bready, junior linebacker Dalton Trammell and sophomore cornerback Harrison Holland. Quarterback Joe Bonner was an honorable mention having missed the first half of the season due to injury.